[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6203273,"mediaKeyId","3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06","parentId",3783526,"title","FCPS media services introduces parent book‑preference opt‑in; digital tools team outlines approval and accessibility process","audioSeconds",597,"startMs",5148000,"endMs",5745000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06&start=5148&end=5745","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06/thumbnail_5148000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6203273/Maryland/FCPS-media-services-introduces-parent-bookpreference-optin-digital-tools-team-outlines-approval-and-accessibility-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203273-60112aba68c042e1b7b4dec442ce101b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773517762&Signature=kX5BaJYS~EBYdYcfWtC-O9-CMAB00UGTe0oeCxTkplLv90Ot~c5p9aq-P4pkVaiVFI84yfT67lvldy1um4uzU2pkkuvaoa5ujCGYLPUHfVRV8uOPqMABnoVFMTYw3lo91Yp6n5WLCghus6vEb7uBkpc-iWE~L1nLO1xK7PWnWZ~rQmCkikz7z9C87wym~9pMC5N~0iDWvr8XC9F9DzwWgYyZfDAUKv2KV~-oY6dTiKupNRjYPlfI9e0VbflQa0mvcearMOlOBBu3glL7WGRopz4AlTO13b5WKu0QLtK9ZJen0Z70kzWancjAuhSCRP31C7YhRWQZpRnffXpIMwaPqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Frederick County Public Schools","date","2025-06-12T13:39:57.5Z","article","Frederick County Public Schools media services and digital solutions staff updated the Curriculum & Instruction Committee on June 11 about library services, a new parent book‑preference opt‑in, and the district’s process for evaluating digital instructional tools.

Mary Jankoski (media services) described this year’s launch of a parent “library book preferences” opt‑in feature that allows parents to create an account in the district’s library circulation system and block specific titles from checkout to their child. Jankoski said the feature went live in late September after an initial pilot and that staff have posted guidance and screenshots on the media services web page to assist parents with account setup. She told the committee that, to date, parent uptake has been limited and staff plan renewed communication and website refreshes over the summer to increase awareness.

Media services staff also summarized two recently published district regulations affecting library materials: Regulation 50101 (selection and approval of library materials) and Regulation 500‑06 (reconsideration of instructional materials already in use). The regulations formalize selection procedures and provide a process for considering concerns about materials; media staff emphasized those procedures apply to library and other instructional materials.

Eric Haines and the digital solutions team described their role supporting more than 70 premium digital tools: rostering, Schoology integrations, vendor liaison, accessibility reviews and troubleshooting. Haines said the team routes teacher support tickets through the district’s ServiceNow system and handled over 1,400 tickets this year. He explained that the district’s tool‑approval process includes curricular review (with curriculum specialists), accessibility review (digital solutions), data‑privacy review (Dr. Vedder’s team) and network/security review (Department of Technology Infrastructure) prior to procurement or deployment.

During Q&A board members raised concerns about parent awareness and usability of the opt‑in feature. Staff acknowledged an initial lag in communication when the feature debuted and said they will increase reminders, improve website placement and provide step‑by‑step screenshots. Staff also explained that the public catalog is searchable without opting in, and parents can filter by elementary/middle/high collections; the opt‑in preference list is a separate account setup that prevents checkout of opted‑out titles for the child tied to that account.

Board members asked about classroom/library time for book selection; media staff said elementary students receive a dedicated weekly media lesson (minimum 40 minutes) with at least 10 minutes commonly used for independent book selection and that secondary access varies by school and is more often scheduled collaboratively with teachers.

On digital tools, Haines reiterated that every digital product used by classrooms goes through the district’s approval workflow and that DTI is engaged for network/security review. He said his team evaluates accessibility features and works with vendors and curriculum teams to ensure tools meet state and district standards for assistive features where required.

No formal policy votes were taken. Staff said they will continue outreach to parents on the opt‑in tool, refresh website navigation in summer communications, monitor uptake and continue ensuring tools meet accessibility and privacy expectations before deployment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting - June 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Frederick County Public Schools media services and digital solutions staff updated the Curriculum & Instruction Committee on June 11 about a parent library book‑preference opt‑in, newly published library regulations and the district’s vendor review process for digital instructional tools.","taxTitle","Frederick County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",14207,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6203283,"FCPS plans to fold middle- and elementary-level remote program into Frederick County Virtual School",2903,72000,2975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06&start=72&end=2975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06/thumbnail_72000.jpg","/articles/6203283/Maryland/FCPS-plans-to-fold-middle-and-elementary-level-remote-program-into-Frederick-County-Virtual-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203283-c25485d06b9ae1fc53bde1e3fc8743cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773517762&Signature=kOPWJhxAKoMChbsgqUALg~sYve2hyt3r-KtH1Z5w0SaIEyeOKHw5VigRnjcC094t2BEia~ZJyQAO18DIro9RN6D3wBDLCiM0P1bLmodi6fp8Cx3DGa-RzpH3sEcONMWyhZXF9Ouwl5p8KTqh4cvOEWOlooNW-F52B2E74gaayX~lRNheQFb0ecRpXME3UFufxA6v~Ho8W~Fg68hrLPkBl-UomKV9~lV9xmtrdrHJMPgNI5AHLaHcPLv5HD-YbB4nEVN0rd2QIVsv5JiBGC7~52fZn5RXKtF2kEi2vTfYExGrtHpI285TyjwjvNwYH9zVY0Ic278QCsVH5UgtYCiZsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Frederick County Public Schools officials told the Curriculum & Instruction Committee on June 11 that the district will consolidate its Remote Virtual Program (RVP) for elementary and middle grades under the Frederick County Virtual School (FCVS) beginning next school year to improve operational efficiency and state reporting.

District leaders said consolidation will allow the RVP to be “formally recognized as part of a school for state reporting purposes” while preserving students’ ability to remain connected to their geo‑identified (home) schools for extracurricular participation. Mr. Watson, an administrator for FCVS, said the consolidated structure will let the district “continue to find operational efficiencies” and expand course offerings, particularly for advanced placement and dual‑enrollment options.

The move follows a presentation on enrollment and instructional models for FCVS and RVP. Watson and Mr. Hoover, RVP administrators, described the full‑time FCVS high school model as combining two weekly synchronous sessions per course with asynchronous work and daily teacher access; the middle‑school RVP was described as a blended model with advisory, PowerBlock tutoring and asynchronous blocks. FCVS supplemental programs continue to serve students who take one or more online courses while remaining enrolled in their home schools. Watson said FCVS has offered online courses since 2012 and estimated that roughly 30% of students at recent graduations took at least one FCVS high‑school course.

During public comment, students and parents described reasons they chose virtual options: safety from bullying, need for a quieter learning environment, medical issues and better academic outcomes. A student who identified as part of the remote virtual program said, “I do not feel safe in school,” and credited the virtual program with improved confidence and academic performance. Parent speakers asked whether the virtual models could continue to provide the structured support used in RVP and how students would transition back to in‑person settings. Ronnie Adema (public commenter) asked why the district removed the RVP high‑school offering referenced in the budget questions and raised concerns about reductions in synchronous instructional minutes in some virtual offerings.

Committee members and staff discussed operational details: students enrolled in FCVS will remain tied to geo‑identified (home) schools for accountability and extracurricular access, while the school coding for reporting will reflect the virtual school. Administrators said the consolidation will likely take the coming school year to fully implement and that separate leadership teams and school improvement plans may remain under the larger FCVS umbrella while the district evaluates efficiencies.

District staff identified expansion priorities tied to the consolidation, including adding AP courses, more elective options (fine arts, business, some social studies offerings) and increased dual‑enrollment pathways. They also said the district will continue onboarding and transition work to prepare middle‑school students for virtual high‑school models and will track climate and participation data for ongoing adjustments.

No formal board action or vote was reported at the June 11 meeting on the consolidation; staff described the plan as an operational decision and implementation timeline that will be worked through administratively and brought back to the committee for updates.

The committee closed the discussion with questions about outreach and awareness; staff described ongoing recruitment efforts (counselor briefings, registration‑night tables, system communications and collaborations with PPW and principals) and said they would continue to examine marketing and parent communications to increase awareness.

Looking ahead, district leaders said they will monitor enrollment, student engagement, course offerings and transition supports, and report progress to the committee during the next school year.

","Frederick County Public Schools officials told the Curriculum & Instruction Committee on June 11 that the district will consolidate its Remote Virtual Program (RVP) for elementary and middle grades under the Frederick County Virtual School (FCVS) beginning next school year to improve operational efficiency and state reporting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6203278,"Assessment committee reports district meets 2.2% testing limit; staff highlight scheduling, digital testing and accommodations challenges",965,810000,1775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06&start=810&end=1775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783526-4b4fbe8b2ad240fa723f71efad5cdd06/thumbnail_810000.jpg","/articles/6203278/Maryland/Assessment-committee-reports-district-meets-22-testing-limit-staff-highlight-scheduling-digital-testing-and-accommodations-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203278-ed4a617e4b0cd674aa374f52566ec170/orig.mp4?Expires=1773517762&Signature=MAOO466W5nA~whWF5jpK9-yLTOvg5FYQeMoYvsUBmOTAc-Ah61TsA1oFwg5xQoX5007wE2u56MA1aA7gDCZfKYP9OxYwm4ZxrAFEnmDbArwNYweRXe1Aa3LdH~7OhLB7rJra1HN8lZIK3kBWdCm9PTjxWlfF~jKtHYF8STdLttHKHb3HttWK5ijDzpKpcpTaUTV3-dV9trQ1~UjfaMdkPp7xgL7NjTm9LuHP3HxNB7K2Gt-5Pyqkm73He~I1FyTO~CMSuagRrMO4FArhhymTB6UBZn3Tajug~kAEdGeufbJIiCVdc~rfUXa7AqcG-3M9b3Gze3Mn0svscYfUjNGk8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Frederick County Public Schools staff told the Curriculum & Instruction Committee on June 11 that the District Committee on Assessment reviewed the district’s required testing and found the district met the statutory cap on required assessments: no more than 2.2% of instructional time (with an additional 0.1% for grade 8 for social studies, per the state law).

Dr. Vedder, director of assessment, data reporting and strategic improvement, described the committee’s role: cataloging required assessments, applying a seven‑area rubric (purpose, alignment to standards, feedback value, accessibility, time required, administration and timeliness of results) and recommending refinements. Staff explained the committee’s working definition of required assessments includes federally, state‑ or district‑mandated measures that evaluate academic readiness, learning progress or skills.

Staff outlined three practical challenges raised by teachers and committee members: overlapping testing windows from multiple vendors; device availability for digital assessments, especially in kindergarten through grade 2 where one‑to‑one device ratios were reduced this year; and the time teachers need to prepare for and administer assessments. Dr. Vedder noted some teachers asked for more control of local assessments and a mix of paper‑and‑pencil options where appropriate.

Committee members raised the impact of digital testing design on student behavior and scores. Dr. Vedder cited an example from the state Algebra I exam where a student could not advance after selecting partial responses to a multi‑part question and the platform’s prompts were perceived as misleading. Board members and staff agreed that local assessments offer more control and can be designed with a balance of digital and paper formats to support writing and other tasks that benefit from paper input.

The district confirmed that some screen‑based assessments include accessibility features, and vendors must meet state accessibility expectations. Staff said the digital platforms can provide assistive technology (text‑to‑speech, dictation) and that the district’s augmentative communication and technology team is available when district or vendor features are insufficient. On special education, Vedder said the district uses “multiple measures” to triangulate performance and uses national vendor data (where available) to understand students’ needs without supports as one comparison point; state testing platforms also include built‑in supports where appropriate.

Staff emphasized scheduling complexity: national vendor windows (used to preserve national norms) sometimes require narrow local administrative windows, and the district posts local assessment calendars publicly. They reiterated that the committee’s work is cyclical and required by the More Learning, Less Testing Act of 2017 to include stakeholders and report to the board every other year.

No formal policy changes were voted on at the meeting. Discussion included next steps to review overlaps, consider increased use of paper‑based local assessments where pedagogically appropriate, and continue collaboration with teachers and the Frederick County Teachers Association when local flexibility is sought.

","FCPS staff reviewed the District Committee on Assessment's work, said required tests comply with the More Learning, Less Testing Act 2.2% cap, and discussed challenges including overlapping testing windows, device availability in early grades, digital testing design issues and accommodations for students with disabilities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

FCPS media services introduces parent book‑preference opt‑in; digital tools team outlines approval and accessibility process

FCPS plans to fold middle- and elementary-level remote program into Frederick County Virtual School

Assessment committee reports district meets 2.2% testing limit; staff highlight scheduling, digital testing and accommodations challenges